Tuesday 28 July 2015

My top tips for applying lip liner!

So you have the perfect lip liner now how best to apply it?

Lip pencils will help lipstick not to bleed over the natural lip edge, keeps lipstick in place longer as well as adding definition to your lips which unfortunately becomes even more necessary as we age!

Always use a freshly sharpened pencil for best results, I tend to warm the pencil tip in the centre of my palm before application so that the pencil glides onto the lips comfortably and smoothly without dragging.

Begin applying pencil to the centre of your upper lip first then to the centre of the bottom lip finally joining up the outer corners.

If you are looking to create a strongly defined lip you are best to apply your lipstick colour first then fill in and define the lip line with an 'ever so slightly darker' lip pencil afterwards.

For a natural look or to give a good lip base for lipcolour to adhere to it is ideal to fill in the entire lip with pencil prior to applying lipstick.

For best results work in short, light feathery strokes with the pencil rather than pressing too hard and trying to draw a solid line. This technique also makes it easier to slightly overdraw the lip line if you are looking to create a fuller lipped look.

Again, for a natural look either match the pencil to your natural lip tone or to the natural lipstick colour you have chosen.

When using strong or bright colours match the lipstick colour to the lip pencil shade. Apply pencil before bold colours for best results and then touch up the edges if necessary after the lipstick is applied.  You can also tidy up imperfect edges with a cotton bud (the pointed ones are best) dipped in a little eye makeup remover or a little concealer or foundation on a brush.

Opt for pencils in shades of light pink, brown and nude to make lips appear fuller as darker shades of plum, brown and berry may make lips appear smaller.




Wednesday 22 July 2015

My Top ten favourite lip liners!

These are the most popular lip pencils I have in my kit that I find suit most people.

I am particularly loving my new Rubywoo addition from MAC.  This pencil compliment's the iconic popular lipstick in the same shade.

Kiko pencils are affordable, available in a great array of colours and stay on well.

My current obsession is Bobbi Brown's Ballet pink, a beautiful shade of light pink with just the right amount of colour!

Charlotte Tilbury lip pencils are divine and super long wearing, MAC are all "oldies but goodies" and Boots No.7 nude is also a good staple in my kit.

1. Boots No.7 nude (nude brown)
2. Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk (nude pink)
3. Charlotte Tilbury iconic nude (nude brown)
4. MAC Subculture (nude pink)
5. MAC Dervish (pink)
6. MAC Oak (nude brown)
7. MAC Rubywoo (strong red)
8. Bobbi Brown Ballet Pink (natural pink)
9. Kiko Smart liner 703 (coral)
10. Kiko smart liner 702 (natural red)

I hope this helps you in finding the right shade!

Happy shopping get in touch if you have any questions

Next up on my blog my top tips for applying lip liners.  Watch this space....

Niki X




Friday 10 July 2015

June Update!

Apologies for the slightly delayed post this month, I am busier than ever in my work and personal life at the moment!

Here are just some of the beauties I have had the pleasure of meeting for make-up trials and wedding make-up.






For April and May we stayed in a holiday in let in beautiful Much Hadham while our building works took place, this was my little cosy office and stunning views everyday.





I also had a lovely holiday in Spain this month visiting Ronda, Granada, Loja, Benahavis and Marbella, however the pictures prove it does rain in spain too.








And then it was back to this... living in utter turmoil at the moment while our kitchen and bathroom are extended...when I am not painting faces I am painting walls! We are getting there very slowly and normal life will resume shortly I hope...




I also just received this lovely photo of a recent bridal make-up for stunning Jen.